Priority driven power side door open/close operations

ABSTRACT

A vehicle door system includes a frameless door glass system, a powered latch, electrically-powered door presenter, powered door opening mechanism, and a powered door protector including a protective member that is movably mounted to the door structure. A controller selectively actuates the frameless door glass system, powered latch, powered door presenter, powered door opening mechanism, and powered door protector according to predefined criteria to coordinate the powered door functions and provide seamless powered operation.

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/227,672 filed on Aug. 3, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,227,810,entitled “PRIORITY DRIVEN POWER SIDE DOOR OPEN/CLOSE OPERATIONS,” whichis hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION Background of the Invention

Electrically powered latches (“E-latches”) have been developed for motorvehicles. Known powered door latches may be unlocked, then unlatched byactuating an electrical switch. Actuation of the switch causes anelectric motor to shift a pawl to a released/unlatched position thatallows a claw of the latch to move and disengage from a striker topermit opening of the vehicle door. Vehicle doors may also includepowered actuators that open and/or close the vehicle doors, windows, andprovide other powered functions associated with the doors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle door system includinga door structure that is movable between a closed position and a fullyopen position. The door may also include a frameless door glass systemhaving a first electrically-powered actuator that can be actuated tomove a glass window between open and closed positions. The door may alsoinclude a powered latch including a second electrically-powered actuatorthat can be actuated to unlatch the powered latch. The door may alsoinclude a powered door presenter having a third electrically-poweredactuator that can be actuated to extend a push member to shift the doorstructure from the closed position to a partially open position that isbetween the closed position and the fully open position. The door mayfurther include a powered door opening mechanism having a fourthelectrically-powered actuator that can be actuated to shift the doorstructure to a fully open position from the partially open position. Thedoor may also include a powered door protector including a protectivemember that is movably mounted to the door structure. The powered doorprotector includes a fifth electrically-powered actuator that can beactuated to shift the protective member from a retracted position to adeployed position relative to the door structure upon opening the doorstructure to thereby protect at least a portion of the door. The vehicledoor system may also include a controller that is operably connected tothe first, second, third, fourth, and fifth electrically-poweredactuators. The controller is configured to actuate the firstelectrically-powered actuator to shift the glass window away from theclosed position if a door release request is received by the controller.The controller is also configured to actuate the secondelectrically-powered actuator to unlatch the powered latch. Thecontroller is also configured to actuate the third electrically-poweredactuator to shift the door structure from the closed position to thepartially open position after actuating the first and secondelectrically-powered actuators. The controller is also configured toactuate the fourth electrically-powered actuator (typically afteractuating the third electrically-powered actuator) to thereby shift thedoor structure from the partially open position to the fully openposition. The controller is also configured to actuate the fifthelectrically-powered actuator (typically after actuating the thirdelectrically-powered actuator) to thereby shift the protective memberfrom the retracted position to the deployed position. The vehicle doormay include a powered door cinching mechanism including a sixthelectrically-powered actuator that can be actuated to shift the doorstructure to a fully closed position from a partially closed positionthat is between the closed position and the fully open position.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a vehicle including a controller that isconfigured to operate various powered door features;

FIG. 2 is a schematic top plan view of the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side elevational view of the vehicle of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partially schematic view of an interior side of a vehicledoor having a powered latch;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a powered latch;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a powered latch system;

FIG. 7 is a partially fragmentary top plan view of a vehicle door in aclosed position;

FIG. 8 is a partially fragmentary top plan view of a vehicle door in apartially open (first check) position;

FIG. 9 is a partially fragmentary top plan view of a vehicle door in afully opened position;

FIG. 10 is a partially schematic cross sectional view of a powered doorpresenter mechanism showing a plunger in a retracted position;

FIG. 11 is a partially schematic cross sectional view of a powered doorpresenter mechanism showing a plunge in an extended position;

FIG. 12 is a partially fragmentary isometric view of a powered doorcheck mechanism;

FIG. 12A is a flow chart showing external and internal door releaseoperations;

FIG. 13A is a flow chart showing a first portion of the operation of thevarious door powered functions;

FIG. 13B is a flow chart showing a second portion of the operation ofthe various door powered functions;

FIG. 13C is a flow chart showing a third portion of the operation of thevarious door powered functions; and

FIG. 13D is a flow chart showing a fourth portion of the operation ofthe various door powered functions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However,it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/696,749, filed on Apr. 27, 2015, entitled “ELECTRONIC SAFE DOORUNLATCHING OPERATIONS,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,323,442, which issued onJun. 18, 2019, the entire contents of which is incorporated byreference.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a vehicle 1 may include a main vehiclestructure 103 including one or more door openings 2A-2D that may beclosed off by doors 10A-10D. In the illustrated example, the vehicle 1includes four doors 10A-10D, each of which may include a controller116A-116D as discussed in more detail below in connection with FIG. 6.However, it will be understood that the present invention is not limitedto a specific number of doors. As used herein, the reference character“10” is used to generally refer to any one of vehicle doors 10A-10D. Thedoors 10A-10D are movably mounted to the vehicle structure 103 by hinges104A-104D. The doors 10A-10D may move between a fully closed position(FIG. 7) and a fully open position (FIG. 9). The doors 10A-10D may alsomove to a partially open position (FIG. 8) that is between the fullyclosed and fully opened positions of FIGS. 7 and 9, respectively.

The doors 2A-2D may each include a frameless door glass system 6 (seealso FIG. 3) including a first electrically-powered actuator such aselectric motor 11 that moves a glass window 8 vertically as shown by thearrow “V” between a lowered open position 8A and a raised closedposition. An example of a frameless door glass system is disclosed inU.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0041302, the entire contents of whichare hereby incorporated by reference. In general, the frameless doorglass system 6 partially opens (“drops”) window glass 8 prior to openingor closing the vehicle door 10 to eliminate or reduce interferencebetween window glass 8 and seals (not shown) on vehicle structure 103 tofacilitate opening and closing of the door 10.

As discussed in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 4-6, eachdoor 10A-10D may include a powered latch (“eLatch”), 106 having a secondelectrically-powered actuator 12 that can be actuated to unlatch thepowered latch 106. The second electrically-powered actuator 12 of FIG. 3may correspond to the electric motor 192 of FIG. 5.

The door system may also include a powered door presenter mechanism 20.As discussed in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 7-11, thepowered door presenter 20 includes a third electrically-powered actuator13 that can be actuated to extend a push member 22 to shift the door 10from a closed position (FIG. 7) to a partially open position (FIG. 8)that is between the closed position of FIG. 7 and the fully openposition of FIG. 9.

As discussed in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 7-9 and FIG.12, the door 10 may also include a powered door opening mechanism 30having a fourth electrically-powered actuator such as an electric motor14 that can be actuated to shift the door 10 to a fully open position(FIG. 9) from the partially open position (FIG. 8).

The door system may also include a powered door protector 40 including aprotective member 42 that is movably mounted to the door structure 102.The powered door protector 40 includes a fifth electrically-poweredactuator such as an electric motor 15 that can be actuated to shift theprotective member 42 from a retracted position to a deployed positionrelative to the door structure 102. An example of a door edge protectivedevice is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,303,021, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated by reference. Also, commercially available motorvehicles such as 2012 and later model year Ford® Focus® automobilesavailable in Europe may include covered door edge protectors. However,it will be understood that the powered door protector 40 is not limitedto door edge protection. Rather, the powered door protector 40 fullyprevents door dings and dents, not just damage to the edge of the door.Furthermore, the powered door protector 40 ensures the widest possibleopening of door 10 under all circumstances. The powered door protector40 also prevents opening door 10 into an oncoming bicycle, child, orpedestrian.

Referring again to FIG. 2, each door 10 may include a controller 116that is operably connected to a vehicle control system 25. As discussedin more detail below in connection with FIG. 6, the vehicle controlsystem 25 may include one or more control modules such as a body controlmodule (BCM) 140 and/or other individual control modules. The individualcontrollers 116A-116D and/or main vehicle control system 25 areconfigured to actuate the first electrically-powered actuator/motor 11to shift the glass window 8 away from the closed position if a doorrelease request is received by the controller.

As also discussed below, a door release request may be generated by oneor more unlatch sensors positioned on the interior or exterior of doors10. Alternatively, an unlatch request may be generated by a wirelessdevice 26. The wireless device 26 may comprise a conventional “fob” orit may comprise a smart phone that is configured to wirelesslycommunicate with controllers 116A-116D and/or main vehicle controlsystem 25 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,845,071, issued on Dec. 19,2017, entitled “KEYLESS CAR SHARING MECHANISM USING SMARTPHONES ANDINBUILT WIFI SYSTEMS FOR AUTHENTICATION,” and U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/174,592, filed on Jun. 6, 2016, entitled “KEYLESS VEHICLESYSTEM THAT ENABLES SERVICING,” the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference. As discussed below in connection with FIG. 4,each door 10 may include an interior unlatch switch 112, an interiorunlock switch 114, and an exterior unlatch switch 113.

The controller 116 and/or 25 are also configured to actuate the secondelectrically-powered actuator 12 to unlatch the powered latch 106. Thecontrollers 116 and/or 25 are also configured to actuate the thirdelectrically-powered actuator/motor 13 to shift the door 10 from theclosed position (FIG. 7) to the partially open position (FIG. 8) afteractuating the first and second electrically-powered actuators/motors 11and 12, respectively. The controllers 116 and/or 25 are also configuredto actuate the fourth electrically-powered actuator/motor 14 afteractuating the third electrically-powered actuator/motor 13 to therebyshift the door 10 from the partially open position (FIG. 8) to the fullyopen position (FIG. 9). The controllers 116 and/or 25 are alsoconfigured to actuate the fifth electrically-powered actuator/motor 15after actuating the third electrically-powered actuator/motor 13.Actuating the fifth electrically-powered actuator/motor 15 shifts theprotective member 42 from the retracted position to the deployedposition.

As discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/696,749, a door 10(FIG. 1) includes a door structure 102 that may be movably mounted to avehicle structure 103 in a known manner utilizing hinges 104A and 104BDoor 10 may also include an electrically powered latch that isconfigured to selectively retain the door 10 in a closed position. Thepowered latch 106 is operably connected to a controller 116. Thecontroller 116 may comprise an individual control module that is part ofthe powered latch 106, and the vehicle may include a powered latch 106at each of the doors of vehicle 1. Door 10 may also include an interiorunlatch input feature such as an interior unlatch switch 112 that isoperably connected to the controller 116, and an exterior unlatch switch113 that is also operably connected to controller 116. Interior unlatchswitch 112 is disposed on an interior side of door 10 where it isaccessible from inside the vehicle, and exterior unlatch switch 113 isdisposed on an exterior side of door 10 and is accessible from theoutside of the vehicle 1 when door 10 is closed.

In use, a user actuates the interior unlatch switch 112 or exteriorunlatch switch 113 to generate an unlatch request to the controller 8.If the latch 106 is unlatched and/or certain predefined operatingperimeters or conditions are present, controller 116 generates a signalcausing powered latch 106 to unlatch upon actuation of interior unlatchswitch 112. Door 10 may also include an unlock input feature such as anunlock switch 114 that is mounted to an inner side of the door 10. Theunlock switch 114 is operably connected to the controller 116.Controller 116 may be configured to store a door or latch lock or unlockstate that can be changed by actuation of unlock switch 114. Controller116 may be configured (e.g. programmed) to deny an unlatch requestgenerated by actuation of the interior unlatch switch 112 or exteriorunlatch switch 113 if the controller 116 determines that the poweredlatch 106 is in a locked state. Controller 116 is preferably aprogrammable controller that can be configured to unlatch powered latch106 according to predefined operating logic by programming controller116. However, controller 116 may comprise electrical circuits andcomponents that are configured to provide the desired operating logic.As used herein, the term “controller” may refer to one or moreprocessors, circuits, electronic devices, and other such components andsystems that are arranged to provide the desired control.

With further reference to FIG. 5, powered latch 106 may include amovable retaining (latch) member such as claw 180 that pivots about apivot 182 and a pawl 186 that is rotatably mounted for rotation about apivot 188. Pawl 186 can move between a disengaged or unlatched position186A and a latched or engaged configuration or position 186B. In use,when door 10 is open, claw 180 will typically be in an extended position180A. As the door 10 is closed, surface 190 of claw 180 comes intocontact with a striker 184 that is mounted to the vehicle structure.Contact between striker 184 and surface 190 of claw 180 causes the claw180 to rotate about pivot 182 in the direction of the arrow “R1” untilthe claw 180 reaches the closed position 180B. When claw 180 is in theclosed position 180B, and pawl 186 is in the engaged position 186B, pawl186 prevents rotation of claw 180 to the open position 180A, therebypreventing opening of door 10. Claw 180 may be biased by a spring or thelike (not shown) for rotation in a direction opposite the arrow R1 suchthat the claw 180 rotates to the open position 180A unless pawl 186 isin the engaged position 186B. Pawl 186 may be biased by a spring or thelike (not shown) in the direction of the arrow R2 such that pawl 186rotates to the engaged position 186B as claw 180 rotates to the closedposition 180B as striker 184 engages claw 180 as door 10 is closed.Latch 106 can be unlatched by rotating pawl 186 in a direction oppositethe arrow R2 to thereby permit rotation of claw 180 from the closedposition 180B to the open position 180A.

A powered actuator such as an electric motor 192 may be operablyconnected to the pawl 186 to thereby rotate the pawl 186 to thedisengaged or unlatched position 186A. Controller 116 can unlatchpowered latch 106 to an unlatched configuration or state by causingpowered actuator 192 to rotate pawl 186 from the latched or engagedposition 186B to the unlatched configuration or position 186A. However,it will be understood that various types of powered latches may beutilized in the present invention, and the powered latch 106 need notinclude the claw 180 and powered pawl 186 as shown in FIG. 5. Forexample, powered actuator 192 could be operably interconnected with theclaw 180 utilizing a mechanical device other than pawl 186 to therebyshift the powered latch 106 between latched and unlatched states. Ingeneral, vehicle door 10 can be pulled open if powered latch 106 is inan unlatched state, but the powered latch 106 retains the vehicle door10 in a closed position when the powered latch 106 is in a latched stateor configuration.

With further reference to FIG. 6, a latch system 125 may include adriver's side front powered latch 106A, a passenger side front poweredlatch 106B, a driver's side rear powered latch 106C and a rear passengerside powered latch 106D. The powered latches 106A-106D are configured toselectively retain the corresponding driver and passenger front and reardoors of a vehicle in a closed position. Each of the powered latches106A-106D may include a controller 116A-116D, respectively, that isconnected to a medium speed data network 118 including network lines118A-118D. Controllers 116A-116D are preferably programmablecontrollers, but may comprise electrical circuits that are configured toprovide the desired operating logic. The data network 118 may comprise aMedium Speed Controller Area Network (“MS-CAN”) that operates accordingto known industry standards. Data network 118 provides datacommunication between the controllers 116A-116D and a digital logiccontroller (“DLC”) gateway 120. The DLC gateway 120 is operablyconnected to a first data network 122, and a second data network 124.First data network 122 may comprise a first High Speed Controller AreaNetwork (“HS1-CAN”), and the second data network 124 may comprise asecond High Speed Controller Area Network (“HS2-CAN”). The data networks122 and 124 may operate according to known industry standards. The firstdata network 122 is connected to an Instrument Panel Cluster (“IPC”)126, a Restraints Control Module (“RCM”) 128, and a Powertrain ControlModule (“PCM”) 130. The RCM 128 utilizes data from acceleration sensorsto determine if a crash event has occurred. The RCM 128 may beconfigured to deploy passenger restraints and/or turn off a vehicle'sfuel supply in the vent a crash is detected. RCM 128 may be configuredto generate an Emergency Notification System (“ENS”) signal if a crashoccurs. The ENS signal may be transmitted over one or both of the datanetworks 122 and 124 (preferably both). The RCM is also preferablyconnected (“hard wired’) directly to each powered latch 106A-106D bywires (not shown) such that powered latches 106A-106D receive an ENSsignal even if data networks 122 and 124 are not operational. The firsthigh speed data network 122 may also be connected to a display screen132 that may be positioned in a vehicle interior to provide visualdisplays to vehicle occupants. The second high speed data network 124 isoperably connected to antilock brakes (“ABS”) module 134 that includessensors that measure a speed of the vehicle.

System 125 also includes a Body Control module (“BCM”) 140 that isconnected to the first high speed data network 122. The body controlmodule 140 is also operably connected to the powered latches 106A-106Dby data lines 136A-136D. Controllers 116A-116D may also be directlyconnected (“hardwired”) to control module 140 by electrical conductorssuch as wires 156A-156D, respectively. Wires 156A-156D may provide aredundant data connection between controllers 116A-116D and controller140, or the wires 156A-156D may comprise the only data connectionbetween controllers 116A-116D and controller 140. Control module 140 mayalso be operably interconnected to sensors (not shown) that signal thecontrol module 140 if the vehicle doors are ajar. Control module 140 isalso connected to a main vehicle electrical power supply such as abattery 148. Each of the powered latches 106A-106D may be connected tomain vehicle power supply 148 by connector's 150A-150D. The poweredlatches 106A-106D may also include back up power supplies 152 that canbe utilized to actuate the powered actuator 192 in the event the powersupply from main vehicle power supply (“VPWR”) 148 is interrupted orlost. The backup power supplies 152A-152D may comprise capacitors,batteries, or other electrical energy storage devices. In general, thebackup power supplies 152A-152D store enough electrical energy toprovide for temporary operation of controllers 116A-116D, and to actuatethe powered actuators 192 a plurality of times to permit unlatching ofthe vehicle doors in the event the main power supply/battery 148 failsor is disconnected.

Each of the powered latches 106A-106D is also operably connected to atwo pole (for example, both poles normally opened or one pole normallyopened and one pole normally closed) interior unlatch switch 112A-112D,respectively, that provide user inputs (unlatch requests). The poweredlatches 106A-106D are also operably connected to an exterior unlatchswitches 154A-154D, respectively. Controllers 116A-116D are alsooperably connected to unlock switches 114 (FIG. 4). Controllers116A-116D may be configured to store the Lock Status (“Locked” or“Unlocked”) and to utilize the Lock Status for control of poweredlatches 106A-106.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9 and 10-11, powered door presenter 20 includesthird electrically-powered actuator 13 which shifts push member 22 froma retracted position (FIG. 10) to an extended position (FIG. 11). Ingeneral, the push member engages a surface 24 of vehicle structure 103to shift door 10 from the closed position (FIG. 7) to the partially openposition (FIG. 8). The electrically-powered actuator 13 may comprise asolenoid, electric motor, or the like that is operably connected to pushmember 22 via a gear drive system (not shown). Powered door presenter 20may include sensors (not shown) that provide a signal to controller 116concerning the position of plunger 22. After the vehicle door 10 isopened (FIG. 9), the third electrically-powered actuator 13 may beretracted to permit the door 10 to return to the closed position.

With reference to FIG. 7-9, the powered door opening mechanism 30 may beactuated to shift the door from the partially open position (FIG. 8) tothe fully open position (FIG. 9). The powered door opening mechanism 13may also be actuated to shift the door 10 from the open position (FIG.9) to the fully closed position (FIG. 7). Door 10 may include a poweredcinch mechanism 36 (FIG. 3) having a sixth electrically-powered actuatorsuch as electric motor 16 that pulls door 10 to a fully closed position.The powered door opening mechanism 30 may include anelectrically-powered actuator such as an electric motor 14 or the likethat drives gears (not shown) that engage teeth of rack 32 of a strap 34to thereby open and close the door 10. The powered door openingmechanism 30 may be configured to provide a plurality of check (detent)positions such that the door 10 can be stopped at one or more of thecheck positions. In general, the check positions are predefinedpositions of door 10 that are between the fully closed position (FIG. 7)and the fully opened position (FIG. 9). Door 10 will tend to remain at acheck position, but door 10 can be moved from a check position if asufficient force is applied to door 10. Vehicle 1 may include one ormore sensors (e.g. capacitive sensors) that are configured to determineif an object is in the path of door 10 prior to opening door 10.Similarly, capacitive sensors, pinch strips, or the like (not shown) maybe positioned on door 10 or on vehicle 1 adjacent the door openings 2 tothereby generate a signal if a user is obstructing the path of the door10 in a manner that would otherwise interfere with closing of door 10.As discussed in more detail below in connection with FIGS. 13A-13D, thesystem is configured to control opening and closing of door 10 based onwhether or not an object is detected in the path of door 10 prior toopening or closing of door 10.

A door opening control scheme or logic 45 is shown schematically in FIG.12A. An internal door release process 45A is initiated when an internaldoor release 47A is requested. The internal door release request may beinitiated by actuated of interior unlatch switch 112 (FIG. 4). At step48 the vehicle speed is evaluated. If the vehicle speed exceeds apredefined maximum speed (e.g. 3 kph), the latch 106 is not unlatched.Step 48 may include evaluation of a sensor input from a seat 3A-3D(FIG. 1) of vehicle 1. Seats 3A-3D may include a sensor that determinesa weight of an occupant. A predefined weight limit (e.g. 50 lbs.) may beutilized as a criteria in processing internal door release request 47Ain connection with the vehicle speed evaluation (step 48). Morespecifically, if a sensor signal indicates that a light weight occupant(e.g. a child under a specific predefined weight limit) is present, thesystem may require a double unlatch request (i.e. two actuations ofinterior unlock switch 112) within a predefined time period (e.g. 3seconds) to unlatch the powered latch 106, and also not permit dooropening at a speed above 3 kph if a light weight occupant is detected.However, if a heavy weight occupant is detected (i.e. an occupant isabove the predefined weight limit), the system may be configured tounlatch the door 10 by actuating powered latch 106 upon a signalactuation of interior switch 112 when the vehicle speed is under 3 kph,and require a double unlatch signal (i.e. two actuations of switch 112)to unlatch four speeds above 3 kph. The predefined weight limit may be,for example, 40 lbs., 50 lbs., 60 lbs., 80 lbs., etc.

If the speed evaluation (step 48) is a “Fail,” no action is taken, andthe powered latch 106 remains latched. However, if the evaluation atstep 48 results in a “Pass,” the controller actuates the firstelectrically-powered actuator/motor 11 to at least partially drop thewindow glass 8, and the controller 116 then provides a powered unlatchof powered latch 106 as shown at step 52. In general, the power windowdrop of step 50 occurs prior to the door unlatch of step 52 to providefor unimpeded opening of the door 10.

Referring again to FIG. 12, an external door release request may bereceived as shown at step 47B. An external door release request may begenerated by external switch 113 (FIG. 4), or the release request may bereceived from a wireless device 26 (FIG. 2). The external door releaserequest may be processed in a (keyless) passive entry passive start(PEPS) unlock operation as shown at step 54. In general, PEPS operationinvolves receiving a wireless signal (e.g. security code) from awireless device 26 which may comprise a fob or smart phone, and thesystem then determines if an authorized user is in the vicinity of thevehicle 1. If an authorized user is determined to be in the vicinity, auser can position his or her hand on the exterior door handle toactivate a switch or trigger a capacitive sensor which results inunlocking of a vehicle door. After unlocking, if the vehicle doorincludes a powered latch, the powered latch may also unlatch the doorwithout movement of the door handle upon receiving an unlatch requestfrom a sensor or switch. A user can then enter the vehicle and start thevehicle by pressing a button. PEPS systems are generally known in theart, such that the details of PEPS operation will not be described indetail herein.

If the PEPS unlock operation at step 54 fails, the powered latch 106 isnot unlatched, and no further action is taken. However, if the PEPSunlock operation 54 results in a “Pass,” the controller then causes thepowered window to drop at step 56, the door (latch 106) is unlatched atstep 58, and the door 10 is shifted to the presented position (FIG. 8)at step 60 due to actuation of powered door presenter 20.

The operation of the vehicle doors 10A-10D is shown schematically inFIGS. 13A-13D. Specifically, the control logic/priority/process 200includes a first portion 200A (FIG. 13A), a second portion 200B (FIG.13B), a third portion 200C (FIG. 13C), and a forth portion 200D (FIG.13D). The operations of FIGS. 13A-13D may be performed by the individuallatch controllers 116A-116D and/or the vehicle control system 25 (e.g.BCM 140). Although the control logic is generally shown as a flow chartin FIGS. 13A-13D, it will be understood that the various door operationsdo not necessarily occur in the specific sequences shown in FIGS.13A-13D, and the use of a flow chart is therefore not intended to belimiting, but rather to facilitate explanation of the various operationsand the control logic/priority. In general, the various powered dooroperations are carefully managed and synchronized to permit smooth,seamless operation of the various components, while preventing undesiredoperating conditions.

Referring to FIG. 13A, following start 202, the system (e.g. one ofcontrollers 116A-116D) first determines if a door unlock or unlatchrequest has been received at step 204. If no request has been received,the system does nothing as shown at 206. However, if an unlock orunlatch request is received at step 204, the process continues at step208, and the system determines if the request has been received from avalidated user. Validation may involve determining if a specificauthorized code or sequence has been transmitted by a wireless device 26(FIG. 2), or it may involve entry of an authorization code utilizing akeypad or the like (not shown). If the user is not validated, the systemdoes nothing as shown at 210. However, if the user is validated, thewindows 8 are dropped at least partially as shown at step 112.

As shown at step 214, the system then evaluates if an object is in thepath of the door. As discussed above, each door 10A-10D may include oneor more sensors such as capacitive sensors (not shown) that determine ifan object is present in the path of the door 10 that would otherwiseinterfere with opening of the door 10. Sensors of this type are known,such that a detailed description is not provided herein. If an object isin the path of the door, the system generates an alert to the user atstep 216. The alert may comprise a signal on an interior display screen,an audio message, or the like. If no object is in the path of the door,the powered latch 106 is unlocked and unlatched as shown at step 218.The powered door presenter 20 is then actuated as shown at step 220, andthe powered door opener 30 and powered door protector 40 are thenactuated as shown at step 224.

As shown at step 226, the system then determines if a user has enteredthe vehicle. Vehicle 1 may include one or more sensors that determine ifa user has entered the vehicle. Alternatively, if the user is carrying awireless device 26, the vehicle 1 may be configured to determine if thewireless device 26 is in the vehicle interior. If a user has not enteredthe vehicle, the system does not take any further action as shown atstep 228. However, if a user has entered the vehicle, the system thendetermines if the door is clear to close at step 230. In general, thevehicle 1 may include capacitive sensors, door edge strip detectors, orthe like (not shown) to determine if the door is clear to close at step230. Sensors of this type are generally known in the art, such that adetailed description is not believed to be required. If the door is notcleared to close, the system does nothing as shown at step 232. However,if the door is cleared to close, the system generates a warning (e.g.audio warning) at step 234 before and/or during the door closingoperation as shown at step 234. At step 236, the system determines ifthe door can be latched. This determination may involve evaluating inputfrom sensors to determine if an object is in the path of the door. Ifthe door cannot be latched, the powered door closing operation isstopped as shown at step 238. If the door can be latched, the systemthen determines if a door open command has been received at step 240. Ifa door open command has been received, the powered door closing isstopped at step 242. If a door open command has not been received, thesystem proceeds to step 244 (FIG. 13B).

At step 244, the system sets the powered latch 106 (“eLatch”) to enablelatching of the door. At step 246, the system determines if the doorwindow is down. If the door window is not down a powered window drop(e.g. partial or full lowering of window glass 8) is performed as shownat step 248, and the process continues at step 250. If a door window isdown at step 246, the process continues to step 250. At step 250, thepowered door presenter 40 is actuated to retract the protective member42.

At step 252, the powered latch 106 is set to accept power door closingto secondary, and the powered cinch 36 (FIG. 3) is actuated to fullyclose door 10. A powered cinch mechanism 36 having a sixthelectrically-powered actuator 16 is shown schematically in FIG. 13.Examples of powered cinch mechanisms can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.9,004,570 and 9,951,547, the entire contents of each being incorporatedby reference. Powered cinch mechanisms are generally known in the art,such that a detailed description of the powered cinch mechanism 36 isnot provided herein.

At step 254 the system determines if the door 10 is fully closed andlatched. If not, an alert signal (e.g. an audio warning) is provided asshown at step 256. If the door 10 is fully closed and latched, theprocess continues at step 258. At step 258, the system determines if aseat belt is engaged. Vehicle 1 may include one or more sensors thatdetermine if a seat belt has been latched. At step 260, the systemgenerates an alert signal if a seat belt has not been engaged at step258. If a seat belt is engaged at step 258, the system proceeds to step262, and the controller actuates (locks) the powered latch 106.

The process then continues to step 268 as shown at FIG. 13C. At step264, the controller determines if the inside door handle has beenactuated. Door handle actuation may comprise actuation of interiorunlatch switch 112 (FIG. 4). If the inside door handle has not beenactuated, the system does nothing as shown at step 266. However, if theinside door handle has been actuated, the process continues as shown asstep 268, and the system determines if an occupant adjacent the insidedoor handle is light in weight (i.e. less than a predefined weight)(e.g. 40 lbs., 60 lbs., etc.). If the occupant is not light in weight,the process continues at step 270, and the system determines if thevehicle speed is under 3 kph. If the speed is not under 3 kph, theprocess continues at step 272, and the controller determines if theinside handle has been actuated twice within 3 seconds. If the handlehas not been actuated twice within the 3 seconds, the system doesnothing as shown at step 274. If the inside handle has been actuatedtwice within 3 seconds, the controller unlocks and unlatches the door asshown at step 276.

Referring again to step 268, if the occupant is light in weight, theprocess continues at step 278. At step 278, the controller determines ifthe inside handle has been actuated twice within 3 seconds. If thehandle has not been actuated twice within 3 seconds, the controller doesnothing as shown at 280. However, if the inside handle has been actuatedtwice within 3 seconds at step 278, the process proceeds to step 282,and the controller determines if the vehicle speed is under 3 kph. Ifthe speed is not under 3 kph, the system does nothing as shown at 284.However, if the vehicle speed is under 3 kph at step 282, the controllerunlocks and unlatches the door as shown at step 276.

As shown at step 286, the process then involves measuring the time forthe door to open upon actuating the power door opening mechanism 30. Asshown at step 288, the controller also monitors to determine if apowered door close request switch has been actuated, or if an exteriorswitch has been actuated, or if a BCM/phone app has been actuated. Asdiscussed above, the system/controller does not necessarily operate inthe specific sequence shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. Accordingly, it will beunderstood that some of the steps (e.g. step 288) may occur continuouslyor during certain operating conditions, and the individual steps do notnecessarily occur in the specific sequence shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. If arequest is received at step 288, the process continues to step 292 asshown in FIG. 13D. At step 292, the controller determines if the doorcapacitive sensor and/or pinch strip indicate that a person or object isin the path of the door closing. If a person or object is present, thepowered door presenter 20 is actuated as shown at step 294 to cause“bounce back” to prevent pinching, and a user alert is generated at step296. If a person or object is not detected in the path of the door atstep 292, the process continues at step 298. At step 298 the controllerdetermines if a user has exited the vehicle 1 and moved to at least apredefined distance from the vehicle 1. This can be determined bymonitoring the position of a wireless device 26 (FIG. 2) or by othersuitable means. If the user has not moved to at least a predefineddistance, the system does nothing as shown at step 299. If the user hasmoved to at least a predefined distance at step 298, the processcontinues to step 300. At step 300, the powered door mechanism 30 isactuated to close the door, and the powered latch 106 is actuated tolatch and close the door. If the vehicle 1 includes a cinching mechanism36, the cinching mechanism 36 may also be actuated at step 300 to ensurethat the vehicle is completely closed.

At step 302, the controller determines if the door is ajar. If thevehicle door is ajar, the controller prevents movement of the vehicle asshown at step 304. Step 304 may include sending a signal from the latchcontroller 108 to the body control module 140 to prevent vehiclemovement.

If the door is not ajar at step 302, the process continues to step 306.At step 306, the e Latch controller 108 evaluates multiple sources ofinformation and determines if it is appropriate to close the door atstep 308. If it is not appropriate to close the door, the system doesnothing as shown at step 310. However, if it is appropriate to close thedoor, the system proceeds to step 312, and the e Latch controller 108actuates the powered door mechanism 30 to close the vehicle door. Asshown at step 314, the door then closes to the secondary latch position,and the e Latch controller 108 actuates the powered actuator 16 of cinchmechanism 36 to cinch the door to the fully closed position. Finally, atstep 318, the e Latch controller 108 sends a signal to the body controlmodule 140 indicating that the doors are closed/latched, and that it isok for the vehicle to move.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made onthe aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of thepresent invention, and further it is to be understood that such conceptsare intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claimsby their language expressly state otherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle comprising: a body structure having adoor opening; a door structure that is movable between a closed positionclosing off the door opening, and a fully open position; a framelessdoor glass system including a first electrically-powered actuator thatcan be actuated to move a glass window between open and closedpositions; a powered latch including a second electrically-poweredactuator that can be actuated to unlatch the powered latch; a powereddoor presenter having a third electrically-powered actuator that can beactuated to extend a push member to shift the door structure from theclosed position to a partially opened position that is between theclosed position and the fully open position; and a controller operablyconnected to the first, second, and third electrically-poweredactuators, wherein the controller is configured to: actuate the firstelectrically-powered actuator to shift the glass window away from theclosed position; actuate the second electrically-powered actuator tounlatch the powered latch; and actuate the third electrically-poweredactuator to shift the door structure from the closed position to thepartially open position after actuating the first and secondelectrically-powered actuators.
 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: thecontroller is disposed in the door.
 3. The vehicle of claim 1,including: a powered door opening mechanism having a fourthelectrically-powered actuator that can be actuated to shift the doorstructure to a fully open position from the partially open position; andwherein: the controller actuates the fourth electrically-poweredactuator after actuating the third electrically-powered actuator toshift the door structure from the partially open position to the fullyopen position.
 4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: the controller isconfigured to actuate the first electrically-powered actuator when adoor release request is received by the controller.
 5. The vehicle ofclaim 1, including: a powered door protector including a protectivemember that is movably mounted to the door structure, and a fifthelectrically powered actuator that can be actuated to shift theprotective member from a retracted position to a deployed positionrelative to the door structure upon opening the door structure tothereby protect at least a portion of the door; and wherein: thecontroller actuates the fifth electrically-powered actuator afteractuating the third electrically-powered actuator to shift theprotective member from the retracted position to the deployed position.6. A vehicle door system, comprising: a door; a frameless door glasssystem having a movable powered window; a powered latch; a powered doorpresenter that can be actuated to extend a push member to shift the doorfrom a closed position to a partially open position; a powered dooropening mechanism that can be actuated to shift the door structure to afully open position from the partially open position; a powered doorprotector that can be actuated to shift a protective member from aretracted position to a deployed position relative to the door uponopening the door to thereby protect at least a portion of the door; and:a controller operably connected to the powered window, the poweredlatch, the powered door presenter, the powered door opening mechanism,and the powered door protector, wherein the controller is configured to:actuate the powered window to shift the window away from the closedposition when a door release request is received by the controller;unlatch the powered latch; actuate the powered door opening mechanism toshift the door from the closed position to the partially open positionafter actuating the powered window and unlatching the powered latch;actuate the powered door opening mechanism after actuating the powereddoor presenter to shift the door from the partially open position to thefully open position; and actuate the powered door protector afteractuating the powered door presenter to shift the protective member fromthe retracted position to the deployed position.
 7. The vehicle doorsystem of claim 6, including: a powered door cinching mechanismincluding an electrically-powered actuator that can be actuated to shiftthe door structure to a fully closed position from a partially closedposition that is between the closed position and the fully openposition.
 8. The vehicle door system of claim 6, wherein: the poweredlatch defines a locked state such that the powered latch does notunlatch when a door release request is received by the controller whenthe powered latch is in a locked state; and the controller is configuredto lock the powered latch when the controller receives a buckled signalindicating that seat belts have been buckled and also receives a fullyclosed signal indicating that the door structure is in a fully closedposition.
 9. The vehicle door system of claim 6, including: a vehicleseat including a sensor that generates a light weight signal indicatingthat a seat of the vehicle is occupied by a light weight occupant havinga weight below a predefined maximum, and generating a heavier weightsignal indicating that a seat of the vehicle is occupied by a heavierweight occupant having a weight above the predefined maximum; andwherein: when a light weight signal is received by the controller, thecontroller does not unlatch the powered latch unless at least twounlatch requests are received within a predefined time period and thevehicle is traveling at below a predefined speed.
 10. The vehicle doorsystem of claim 9, wherein: when the controller receives a heavierweight signal and a single unlatch request, the controller unlatches thepowered latch only if the vehicle is traveling below the predefinedspeed.
 11. The vehicle door system of claim 9, wherein: when thecontroller receives a heavier weight signal and two unlatch requestswithin the predefined time period the controller unlatches the poweredlatch even when the vehicle is traveling above the predefined speed. 12.The vehicle door system of claim 9, wherein: the predefined time periodis three seconds, and the predefined speed is three kph.
 13. The vehicledoor system of claim 9, wherein: the predefined maximum weight is in therange of 40-80 lbs.
 14. The vehicle door system of claim 6, wherein: thecontroller is configured to actuate the powered door presenter toinitially move the door, and the controller is configured to actuate thepowered door opening mechanism while the door structure is moving due toactuation of the powered door presenter such that the door movescontinuously from the closed position to the fully open position. 15.The vehicle door system of claim 6, including: a sensor configured todetermine when a user is in the path of the door when the door is open;and wherein the powered door opening mechanism can be actuated to closethe door, and the controller does not actuate the powered door openingmechanism to close the door when a user is in the path of the door. 16.The vehicle door of claim 6, wherein: the controller is configured tocause the powered window to move away from the closed position when thepowered door opening mechanism is actuated to close the door.
 17. Thevehicle door of claim 6, wherein: the controller is configured toactuate the powered door presenter to retract the push member when thepowered door opening is actuated to close the door.
 18. The vehicle doorof claim 6, wherein: the powered door opening mechanism comprises apowered door check that selectively retains the door structure at one ormore check positions between the closed and fully open positions. 19.The vehicle door of claim 6, wherein: the door defines an outer edge,and wherein the protective member comprises a movable edge protectorthat is configured to shift outwardly away from the outer edge uponactuation of the powered door protector.
 20. The vehicle door of claim6, wherein: the frameless glass door system includes a firstelectrically-powered actuator that can be actuated to move the poweredwindow between open and closed positions; the powered latch includes asecond electrically-powered actuator that can be actuated to unlatch thepowered latch; the powered door presenter includes a thirdelectrically-powered actuator that is configured to extend the pushmember; the powered door opening mechanism includes a fourthelectrically-powered actuator that is configured to move the doortowards the fully open position; the powered door protector includes afifth electrically-powered actuator that is configured to move theprotective member.